Buchanan & Breckinridge Jugate Virginia Ballot
Virginia, 1856 - 7½ x 4½ inches
 
A Democratic presidential ballot issued in Virginia for the election of 1856, featuring jugate portraits of James Buchanan and John C. Breckinridge together with the printed names of fifteen Virginia electors. Prior to the adoption of the secret ballot, printed tickets such as this were distributed to voters and deposited directly into the ballot box, resulting in their comparatively low survival rate.
 
The reverse bears a contemporary signature, suggesting the ballot was likely cast in the election.
 
Condition: Horizontal fold lines with minor age toning; very well preserved.